Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on LGBT Pride Month

"This month, Americans continue our march to a more perfect union by proudly celebrating our many victories in the fight for LGBT equality.

"We are proud to live in a country where gays and lesbians can now serve openly in the armed forces, just as we are proud that our military is led by a commander-in-chief who understands that sexual orientation has nothing to do with one's fitness to serve.

"We are proud of our president's history-making support for the right to marry regardless of sexual orientation, just as we are proud that he refuses to use taxpayer dollars to defend the Defense of Marriage Act.

"We are proud of our country's leadership at home and abroad in protecting Americans from violence, hate crimes, bullying and harassment.

"We are proud that we've now enshrined into our laws the rights of our LGBT friends to receive the same health care benefits as their straight neighbors, and we are proud that our government has said to America's federally funded hospitals that they may no longer separate loving same-sex couples when they are sick and need each other the most.

"At the Department of Labor, we are proud to have clarified that the Family and Medical Leave Act applies to all kinds of families. Two million children are being raised by parents in same-sex relationships, and our action ensures that, regardless of a parent's legal relationship to his or her child, he or she can take leave to care for the child in the event of a medical emergency. In other words: If you act like a parent, do the work of a parent and raise a child like a parent, then you are a parent, as far as the Department of Labor is concerned.

"Like all of the great civil rights victories in our nation's history, this hard-won progress was forged by the determined advocacy of so many pioneers who refused to settle for second-class citizenship based on who they love. While we know many battles lie ahead in the fight to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, this June, let's pause to reflect on the many barriers we've overcome as we strive to realize the promise of equal justice under law for every LGBT American."

source credit: wikipedia.org

In June 1, 2012, the Office of the Press Secretary issued the Presidential Proclamation that June 2012 is the LGBT Pride Month;

From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the law ‑‑ not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded love stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury; who fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no one is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of us are free to live and love as we see fit.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story. From brave men and women who came out and spoke out, to union and faith leaders who rallied for equality, to activists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and marched on Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans.

"California has been a leader in advancing the civil rights of its LGBT citizens. This year, we have seen powerful statements in support of the right of every person to marry the person they love: two opinions from federal appellate courts and, for the first time, a statement from a sitting president in support of this right. While further progress is needed, it is proper and important to recognize and celebrate the substantial and important gains that have been achieved."

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim June 2012, as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.”

There is a growing recognition of realities about the on going fight against LGBT community discrimination. President Obama himself pronounced his personal support to the LGBT community. His key leaders across the government spectrum have slowly aligned their organizations in recognizing the issues that required attention.

The LGBT community are also citizens who execute their roles, responsibilities and duties to the United States of America. They pay the same taxes like everyone else. Many documentations exist that validate their effectiveness as parents to their children, leaders in their communities, leaders in both private and public environments, and each individual play an important role in the continuing development and progression of America.

"To all our LBGT friends, family members, colleagues, community members, and acquaintances, enjoy the June 2012 Pride Month as we celebrate your individual contributions to our society. Your roles in our communities validate the existence of an integral part of the society regardless of orientation and across cultures."

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